Home renovations can be a costly undertaking. Your cost, your timeline and the final result are all determined by the person you hire. A reliable home renovation contractor is one that will help protect your wallet and provide you with peace of mind.
This is a step-by-step process for choosing a reliable home renovation contractor. You will know what to watch for, what to ask and what to avoid.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
When thinking about a renovation, there’s a lot to consider. Permits, materials, subcontractors, schedules and inspections. All of it is handled by your contractor.
A professional home renovation company ensures the job is finished to the agreed standards, they’ll be able to provide you with information, and they’ll adhere to local building codes. This can result in cutting corners, missing deadlines and asking for more funds midway through.
A little of your “choice” will cost you much less than the corrections that may be necessary in the future.
Before You Hire: Steps 1 to 3
Step 1: Define Your Project Before You Search
If the amount of work cannot be determined, it is not possible for contractors to give an accurate estimate of the scope of work. Write down:
- These are the rooms or areas in your home that you would like to remodel.
- The features and upgrades that are essential to you and which you would like.
- Your renovation budget plus contingency for unforeseen issues.
- The period in which you want the work to start and finish.
Use pictures, sketches or reference pictures, if available. Clear information enables an objective comparison of bids.
Planning the whole project first? Our home renovation checklist walks you through goals, budget, permits and scheduling.
Step 2: Understand Which Type of Contractor You Need
The same professional is not needed for every project. Knowing the difference can help you find a suitable home improvement company to meet your needs.
- General contractor: is responsible for the entire project, and subcontracts and schedules subcontractors.
- Specialist Contractor: A person who works in one trade, e.g. plumbing, electrical or roofing.
- Design/Build Company: a company that designs and builds.
The general contractor is most likely to do a complete kitchen remodel. Only a specialist may be required for a single repair.
Step 3: Find Recommendations and Build a Shortlist
Start with your people you know and trust. Authentic anecdotes from friends, family, neighbours and colleagues. Having a good reputation is one of the best sign of a good home renovation company.
You can also check:
- The local trade/builder associations
- Review sites, like Google, that have scores on their websites.
- Local suppliers who are familiar with who is good, who pays on time and who isn’t.
Try to get between three and 5 names. Look at the information behind the reviews, rather than just the stars. Ask for input on communication, tidiness, dealing with issues and deadlines.
Checking Credentials: Steps 4 to 6
Step 4: Check Licence, Insurance and Registration
This is one thing which distinguishes a dependable home improvement company from an unreliable one. Please note that regulations differ from country to country, state to state and city to city and so ensure you check what is required locally.
Ask for:
- A valid Contractor licence/registration (if applicable), and
- Documentation of liability insurance policy in the form of a certificate.
- Proof of workers’ compensation coverage, if workers will be on your property
Double check with the licensing office or the insurance company. A photograph of a certificate isn’t sufficient.
Insurance is crucial as if someone gets hurt or if the work causes damage to your property, insurance will save you.
Step 5: Review Experience and Past Projects
Experience is more important than the length of time in business. If you’re thinking about having a small bathroom remodel, you might not want to go with a builder whose specialty is building new homes.
They will gladly give you references and examples of projects they have successfully completed for their clients, as they are a good source for a reliable home renovation contractor. Ask:
- Have you carried out a project similar to mine?
- Are there photos of completed work?
- Can I contact a few past clients?
Call the references. If not, ask if the project was completed on time, on budget and if they would use this contractor again. If possible, visit a project that is finished.
For a worked example, see how to plan a bathroom renovation.
Step 6: Get Multiple Written Quotes
Don’t take just one estimate. Obtain at least three detailed estimates for the same job.
A good quote lists:
- Labour and material costs
- Materials’ brands or grades
- The “key milestones” and timeline:
- Do you have a permit and clean-up system and who is responsible for it?
- The payment schedule
If a home improvement contractor will not give you the details on the project cost breakdown when comparing quotes, then they are not the one that you want.
Don’t make a purchase based solely on the cost. A very low bid may indicate that the materials aren’t very good, may be missing or may have additional charges. This will usually be more secure if it is affordable and has all the information laid out.
Red Flags, Interviews and Contracts: Steps 7 to 9
Step 7: Watch for Red Flags
Early warning signs are possible; the FTC guide to avoiding home improvement scams is worth reading. Be careful if a contractor:
- Demands large sums of money that are paid in advance or in full before work is done
- Offers that come across as “limited-time” offers requiring you to hurry up with your action
- Is very good at not wanting to deal with paperwork, particularly with monetary transactions
- Fails to show license / proof of insurance
- Does not have a business phone number, website or history of business activity
- Briefly answers questions regarding costs, materials or timeframes
- Suggests skipping permits or paperwork to save money
A reputable home improvement company does not just avoid questions and doesn’t fear asking them, but rather handles them with plenty of clarity. If you feel rushed or unheard at the first meeting, don’t worry, it will happen again!
Learn from others’ errors too: read about the common bathroom remodeling mistakes.
Step 8: Ask Smart Questions During the Interview
Shortlist contractors for interview, in person or by video. The interview will be an indicator of how they communicate, and how comfortable you are working with them.
It also enables you to assess if a reputable home improvement company can communicate with your style. Useful questions include:
- Who will be responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities of the project?
- Will you be hiring subcontractors and who will they be?
- What is your process for modifications to the plan?
- How often will you update me on progress?
- What is your guarantee of your work?
- What happens if the project is delayed?
Being sincere and patient responds is a positive sign. Listen for the contractor’s interest in your needs or if he/she is solely interested in his/her ideas.
Step 9: Read the Contract Carefully
Both parties are protected by a written contract. Do not undertake a job on a handshake.
Include in the contract:
- All the project specifications
- The entire cost and terms of settlement.
- Start and completion dates
- Type of material or brands to be used.
- Permit responsibilities
- How change orders are handled
- Warranty terms
- The way in which conflict is to be handled.
Do not base payments on the date, but rather on the number of work completed. Check with regulations regarding deposits in area. If you don’t understand something, make sure to ask questions in writing before signing.
The reliable home renovation contractor won’t be reluctant to put everything in writing.
After You Hire: Step 10, Plan Communication and Track Progress
After signing, it is essential to maintain the project to ensure proper communication and make it successful. You do not require to be looking for a home remodeling specialist for some update.
- Decide on a single point of contact.
- Decide on the way you will be adding up-to-the-minute information, such as phone calls, texts or weekly meetings
- Keep records of Invoices, receipts and change orders.
- Photograph progress!
- Take a final inspection through and document any problems prior to the final payment
Do not pay the final bill until the job is completed and you have been satisfied with the job.
Final Thoughts
It’s not just that hiring a dependable home remodeling company is a matter of luck. It’s about verifying facts, contrasting choices and obtaining all the details in writing.
Be sure to have a clear project plan. Review detailed quotes, check license and insurance, and make calls and look for red flags. Then you’ll enter up into a contract which will keep you safe.
The right reliable home renovation contractor will honor your budget, your time and your home. Take time, believe the evidence, make a decision.
FAQs
How do I know a good home improvement contractor?
A contractor that is properly licensed and insured and shows transparency about costs as required. They offer references, a comprehensive written quote and are clearly articulate. They also adhere to permit and safety regulations.
How many quotes should I get?
Get at least 3 (and preferably 4) bids for the same job. This will assist you in identifying prices that are outside of the norm, and determine who is able to describe the job best.
How much should the first payment be?
The guidelines on the deposits differ from one place to another so be sure to check local guidelines. A good home improvement company will want payments to be made in increments in accordance with the work that has been completed instead of a significant lump sum of payment at the beginning.
Should I hire the lowest priced contractor?
Not automatically. The lowest bid can include the materials and/or work that you have to pay for at a later date. Compare insurance quotes – quotes, reviews, references and communication.
What to expect in a renovation contract?
Should include scope of work, total price, payment schedule, timeline, materials, permits, change order process and warranty. All the verbal agreements to be made should also be written.
